Euro 2024 Semifinal referee Felix Zwayer’s History with Jude Bellingham adds intrigue
German referee Felix Zwayer has been entrusted with officiating the high-stakes Euro 2024 semifinal clash between England and the Netherlands in Dortmund, a decision that brings an intriguing backstory to the forefront.
Zwayer’s history intertwines notably with England midfielder Jude Bellingham, stemming from a contentious moment during Bellingham’s tenure at Borussia Dortmund.
Back in 2021, tensions flared when Bellingham, then reeling from Dortmund’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich, openly criticized Zwayer’s refereeing decisions. The midfielder’s frustration was palpable as Dortmund’s appeals for a penalty were dismissed before Bayern capitalized from the spot to clinch victory.
“You give a referee, that has match-fixed before, the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?” Bellingham had vehemently questioned, alluding to Zwayer’s past entanglement in a match-fixing scandal that rocked German football.
Zwayer, who had previously reported suspicions in the infamous 2005 scandal that ensnared referee Robert Hoyzer, found himself briefly suspended by the German Football Federation after admitting to accepting a sum of €300 from Hoyzer for making biased decisions during a match where he was an assistant referee.
Despite the controversy, Zwayer has since resumed his refereeing duties with resilience, overseeing prestigious matches including the 2023 Nations League final and multiple fixtures at Euro 2024. UEFA, when approached for comment on Zwayer’s appointment for Wednesday’s pivotal encounter, chose not to divulge further details.
As both England and the Netherlands brace for an electrifying semifinal showdown, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Zwayer’s officiating, stirring memories of past grievances and highlighting the pivotal role referees play in shaping football’s most critical moments.
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